Think you’re safe from fires by smoking an e-cigarette? Think again | PropertyCasualty360

Excellent article on E-Cigarette safety by PropertyCasualty360.com.  As I continue to research this technology and how it would impact Air Cargo or Passenger Bags / operations, I continue to be concerned as to how unregulated this technology is, globally.

Fortunately, their use on aircraft is forbidden, but they can still be in passenger bags and there have been incidents where modified devices have been accidentally activated while in transit, over heated and eventually the battery vented / combusted.  Additionally, these devices ship in cargo and in mail, which is concerning considering there is no requirement they be UL tested and certified.  Also, there is the potential that the installed batteries or after market batteries are not tested in accordance with the required UN 38.3 test standards.  Which is a huge risk, particularly when being transported in cargo or mail.

The article is quoted as saying,

"The USFA noted that currently there is no regulation, code or law that applies to the safety of electronics or batteries in e-cigarettes. Although many consumer products are required to be tested by a nationally recognized test laboratory such as UL, there are no such requirements for e-cigarettes."

read more in the article at the link below.

Think you’re safe from fires by smoking an e-cigarette? Think again | PropertyCasualty360